Redmond Stone House Chef Expands to Ballard

For the past decade, chef Ryan Donaldson has been quietly delighting guests at Redmond-based Stone House — a tiny dining room nestled unassumingly on Cleveland Street. This September, he expanded his restaurant family across the lake in Ballard with Gather Kitchen and Bar, located at the base of The Commons on 22nd Avenue Northwest.

The small-plate concept is based on his travels, family get-togethers, and the notion of creating memories by gathering over a delicious meal. The energy and atmosphere recall a Pintxo-style tapas bar, but with the service of a full-service restaurant.

“Dining is meant to be an experience. It requires, and should heighten, all of your senses,” says Donaldson.

A 2014 trip to San Sebastian, Spain, with his wife made a deep impression on the chef that he is translating into the Gather menu with dishes like traditional Spanish-style suckling pig, roasted Dungeness crab pozole, duck rillette with pickled cherries and cocoa nibs, and grilled octopus with romesco sauce and black olive vinaigrette. French influences include braised beef cheek with Parisian gnocchi and roasted marrow bones. There will be a focus on affordable wines available by the glass, half-glass, bottle, and half-bottle, plus local beers and cocktails. gatherkitchenandbar.com